Postdoc position: Modelling wood/fibre permeability and thermal properties

Department of Forest Biomaterials and Technology
This postdoctoral position offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of sustainable materials research. The subject area for the postdoctoral appointment is focused on innovative modeling of sustainable wood-based materials to explore the boundaries of wood and fiber technology. The candidate will contribute to future sustainable building solutions.

About the position
Candidates for the Postdoctoral position are expected to carry out research on wood science and technology as a subject area with a strong emphasis on microscopy (light and SEM), CT, image analysis and thermo-physical properties of solid wood and fibers. The works aims at theoretical and practical analyses of solid wood and fiber permeability for liquid phase change materials (PCM) under impregnation and prediction of physical and thermal characteristics of the bio-composites. The research concerns also understanding of wood anatomical structure, material properties and the impact of various treatment approaches and processes on the wood/fiber properties – the above aiming at development of novel biomaterials with tailored/added functionalities.

The successful candidate participates in a teamwork but also develops her/his own research approaches and ideas in the subject area. Emphasis is set on relating structural properties of wood materials to axial and transverse capillary infiltration in solid wood and fibers and the assessment of the input permeability, capillary pressure and nature of liquid. The above parameters are used to prediction of the properties of bio-composites with added functionalities, e.g., improved thermal characteristics by impregnation of PCM.

The successful candidate will work together with international group of researchers and industry representatives. The candidate must contribute with both theoretical and practical modelling of the process, publish scientific articles, and have an affinity to participate in writing of research applications.

 

Your profile
Eligible for employment as a postdoc fellow are those with PhD degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or other closely related disciplines. As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most. The candidate must be familiar with experimental design and data analysis for thermal performance testing and able to develop predictive models, particularly for impregnation quality and thermal characteristics. Proficiency in microscopy techniques, especially SEM, digital light microscopy, CT and image analysis is important. Good knowledge of spoken and written English is a requirement.

The successful candidate joins a research team working on wood/fibre micro-/macrostructure used as low-cost porous structures (storage cells) for encapsulation of renewable PCM for extensive use in green building products for energy saving where interactions between PCM, wood cell wall and polymer binders are studied. 

On consideration for appointment as a postdoc research fellow, the emphasis is primarily set on the applicant's qualifications and the ability to approach in a creative way the research field of interest. The competencies of cooperation, independence as well as goal- and result-oriented will also be taken into account in the selection.

About us
The Department is a part of the Faculty of Forest Sciences, has approximately 50 employees and is located in both Umeå and Uppsala. The Department carries out high quality research, graduate and postgraduate education on a high international level and collaborates with society and industry to develop a bio-based economy where forest biomaterials are an important resource. The major focus in Uppsala lies on wood science and technology with research and education on wood materials from nano- to macro level, wood adhesives and composites, and with accredited testing of wood products and treatments. Read more about the Department at: https://www.slu.se/institutioner/skogens-biomaterial-teknologi/

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:
Uppsala, Sweden

Form of employment:
Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Scope:
100%

Start date:
A matter of agreement.

Application:
Please submit your application before deadline 15th of January 2024. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

Union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

 


The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.